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So, here's my much delayed update (with pictures!). On the 5th (nearly a week and a half ago) D and I decided to walk the freedom trail. It's about 3 miles long (depending on your deviations) and takes you all over Boston, past various historic sites related to the Revolutionary War. It starts in the Boston Commons, takes you through the heart of the city, through the North End (Boston's version of little Italy), to the Navy yard and up to Bunker Hill. We walked almost the whole thing before heading off to Cambridge so I could pick up a good study guide for the Praxis, look at a corset for my Halloween costume (the Silk Spectre from Watchmen), and get some crepes for dinner (D's suggestion, and a good one too).
Anyway, on to the fun stuff:
That's the state house, right at the start of the trail, coming out of the Commons.
Those are D's feet on the trail. Proof!
My feet on the trail, plus the arm with the freckles that look like the big dipper. Further Proof!
Paul Revere's grave. People had put pennies all over it, though I'm not entirely sure why. I'm sure there's some significance to it. Luck?It doesn't look like blogger will let me put more than 4 pictures in a post (shame). I had a couple more of the Old North Church Yard, and the Bunker Hill monument, which we climbed. I like history, but the Revolutionary War era really isn't my favorite, so we skipped over some of the free "museum-ish" things along the trail. I really enjoyed getting to see parts of Boston I'd never seen before. I stumbled across a ton of cute areas I never even new existed--the farmer's market in the North End, the Shooting Fountain, the Old North Church Yard (gorgeous), that Bunker Hill can be reached on foot. Really glad I put this on the list, and got the opportunity to finish it before I graduated.Also! I have followers! Hi! Glad you find me interesting enough to read.
So, last night I tried out for jeopardy--just the online quiz for the College Edition--and since I have no control over whether my 'audition' goes any further than this, I'm considering this task complete (woohoo!). It was a fifty question test with 15 seconds to answer each question--the questions were presented just like on the show, but you didn't have to answer in the form of a question. Honestly, I have no idea how well I did. I knew a bunch of them, but there were also a good many where the answer was on the tip of my tongue, and quite a few where I just had no freaking idea and either guessed or passed. They can contact me anytime between now and a year from now, so we shall see.
So I've returned from my trek to the wilderness (read: Wisconsin), and in the process I've accomplished 2 more goals, started several more, and made progress on others. And I have pictures! I'll be updating over the next couple of days about the goals I completed and the ones I've just started.
First things first. I got high! And it was wonderful. After staying the night at a Super 8 in Illinois, we got in to Tomah, Wisconsin before noon. D's friend, who we were staying with for the first few days, was getting ready for the party later that night (he turned 22 on Wednesday, but had a big party Saturday night). D had asked him to procure some pot for us before we came out, and he had, so D and I went off on our merry way to buy brownie making supplies.
We decided to make brownies because I didn't want to smoke for a couple of reasons--first, I heard that sometimes you don't get high the first time if you smoke (I think because most people don't really know how to inhale it), and I didn't want to risk wasting the pot and missing my chance to complete this goal. Also, I was worried I wouldn't like smoking--I don't even smoke cigarettes, so I figured I'd probably cough and choke, and I wanted this experience to be as pleasant as possible. Plus, I already love brownies.
The brownies were done by about 4, and they reeked of pot. Not a bad smell really, just pine-y, but honestly, thinking about it makes me feel kind of ill. We started eating them pretty quickly but it took a while for them to kick in, so we kept eating and eating (Not so great an idea, it turns out). By 5, we were through almost the whole pan, and we were both super high. D was so high that he couldn't tell I was high, so he kept insisting I eat more brownies, even though I didn't want more (turns out I lose the ability to say no when high).
Everything was hilarious. I laughed so hard my stomach hurt, and smiled so hard my face hurt. The feeling of uncontrollable laughter is a strange one. I could literally feel each giggle bubbling up out of me, from my diaphragm and though I could feel it coming, I couldn't stop it. D smoked up a bit (by this time the party was underway, and while we were the only ones eating brownies, a lot of other people were smoking) and chugged around the house blowing smoking out, pretending he was a train (hilarious). Later, he thought his friend (whom he hadn't seen in about three years) had grown about a foot and a half taller. I just laughed and laughed, and thought D was a giant at one point (to be fair, I was lying on the floor and he was standing over me).
I liked being high much better than drinking--I got all the happy euphoric feeling of being buzzed, but without that fuzzy-headed moving-through-jello feeling. By 8 I was just vegetating on a big comfy chair in the kitchen. I was still conscious and aware of what was going on around me (though my eyes were closed and I was sort of incorporating everything going on outside into the weird psychedelic trip going on in my head), but I was out of it. My entire body felt warm and the top half of me felt like it was lightly vibrating. I think I described it to D as a million little orgasms all over my body. So yeah, a pretty good feeling over all. I was in bed probably by 9. D joined me shortly thereafter. Apparently, people were banging on the door to our room trying to get us up without any luck.
We slept late the next day, and went to get Mexican food. That was all we did. D and I were both out of it. I was worthless the entire day. I think I took a nap, and maybe read a little bit. The Mexican sure tasted good though.
Overall, I'd rate getting high as a great experience. I don't think I want to try again any time soon, or do it with any regularity though because I don't want to ruin it with a bad trip and it's hard to block off two days where I can be totally worthless. More to come later.
So, D and I are headed off on our week-long roadtrip to Wisconsin in exactly one week. In the next week (before the trip) and over the course of the trip itself, I'm looking forward to starting a bunch of goals, and completing a few as well.
Next Wednesday, I take the GRE for the first time, hopefully completing goal 18. I'd really like do well the first go 'round, because a) the GRE is flippin' expensive and b) I'd really rather not study any more than I already have. Also, I really don't have much time to retake the test before I submit the scores to the grad program. Wish me luck! I'm probably going to be a hermit between now and Wednesday, with the exception of a therapy appointment, and a possible going away dinner with some friends, otherwise it's all library all the time.
On our road trip, I'll definitely be visiting at least 3 new states (with the possibility of one or two more, depending on our route): Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota for sure. Possibily Michigan, too. So I'll get to start on goal 33 and fill in my map some more. There would be more states, but thanks to some relatives in Louisville, I've been to Indiana (yay Holiday World!) and Ohio (yay layover!). I should also be able to take some pictures of the signs and of the other goals on the list. Some will be posted (the ones that are least likely to prevent me from getting a job), others will be kept only for posterity, so goal 97 will be on it's way.
On the way there, I'm hoping to plaster some poetry in public restroom stall walls across the country (goal 46). I've put a sharpie and my marble poetry notebooks on my list of shit I need to bring, and I'll try and sneak a camera in with me a few times so I can document my vandalism. Also, I'm hoping to procure a copy of the Sunday Times so D and I can attempt the crossword during the drive. He tells me we should be able to find the Times when we get out there (maybe at a book store if nothing else). I figure it'll be a good way to pass the time (goal 29).
There has been much debauchery planned for when we get down there. I'm not really looking forward to a bunch of keggers (especially with a bunch of people I don't know), but I figure I'll muddle through. Lord knows I've dragged D into more than enough clothing/book/girly stores that he's more than paid his due. So far, definitely on the roster: purchase of a keg, a toga party (yes, really), a trip to the strip club for one of the guys' birthdays (I'm hoping to get a lap dance out of it, and I can cross goal 11 off my list), and his friend is growing weed for us. Provided I can actually get high the first time (I've been told whether or not this happens depends on how much I smoke and the quality of the 'product'), I'll be able to check off goal 35.
I'm sure I'll make one more post before I leave, probably after the GRE on Wednesday. I won't be able to update everything else until I get back the next Saturday (and probably not until the next day anyhow), but I'll bring a notebook along with me so I can keep track of everything.
Until then--adios!
What is it: I grew up Catholic, but I've basically stopped going to church except when family pressure dictates (Christmas, Funerals). I'm not even home for Easter anymore, so I haven't been to services for that in several years. Right now I consider myself agnostic--there may very well be no rhyme or reason to the universe, but it's comforting for me to think that there's some great organizing principle. I've heard good things about the Unitarian Universalist church from friends and I'd like to check it out for myself. I enjoy the ritual and moral structure religion can provide, and maybe the Unitarian Church will be the right fit for me.
Status: Haven't started.
What is it: I love horror movies. Especially bad horror movies. You could call me a connoisseur. But I am woefully underinformed when it comes to Horror classics. I've seen a few on this list--Carrie, Rosemary's Baby, The Exorcist--and heard of a bunch of the others. I want to delve deeper in the genre and experience the fine art of "creepy".
Status: (0/20)
What is it: Geocaching is basically the adult-version of hide-and-go-seek. Low impact treasure-hunting for the techno-set. There's really not much practical purpose behind this goal, aside from the fact that this sounded like wicked fun and I'm looking to try new things. I figure 10 attempts, even if unsuccessful, will be enough for me to consider it sufficiently "tried" and decide if I enjoy it or not. D's in too, which is great because he's got the GPS.
Status: (0/10)
What is it: It's a travesty. I have never seen this movie. I don't own it and I don't think i know anyone who does, so this task may require a purchase or a netflicks account, but shouldn't be too hard to accomplish. I'll get D to watch with me or do a classic movie night with my friends.
Status: Haven't started
What is it: This is just a fun sort of recapture-your-inner-child thing. I don't think I ever did one of these when I was little. I'd love to do one into water, but from landing to landing works for me as well. My friend N works at summer camp and got certified this year for ziplines and rope courses, so I think this one is definitely accomplishable before I got to Wisconsin on the 15th.
Status: Haven't started.
What is it: At this point in my life, I am too much of a pansy to actually go sky-diving, so this is my Action-Adventure-Sara consolation. Which isn't to say I don't actually want to go parasailing, and it's some sort of second-best thing--I do. Hopefully I won't wind up like Homer Simpson.
Status: Haven't Started
What is it: When I was little, I was the kid who checked out the ghost stories every week from the school library--I'm an adrenaline junky through and through and I think my obsession with ghost and the supernatural is just an extension of that. I want to go somewhere "famously" haunted (or at least locally famously haunted). Maybe I'll have an "encounter" that would be awesome, but I'm still a skeptic--any weird thing that happens might just be my own hopes at work. D's got a trip to a haunted lighthouse in the works, too.
Status: Haven't started.
What is it: Closely related to goal 77, but they aren't the same and I don't consider that one satisfied by completion of this goal. A ghostwalk is basically a foot tour (I've only seen them in cities) of haunted (or supposedly haunted) places or places where there have been "famous" ghost sitings. I know there are plenty in Boston and one in Fells Point in Baltimore. This would be great for Halloween one year. I should be able to take and post pictures of the completion of this task.
Status: Haven't started.
What is it: I've lived in Boston for far to long to not have done this yet. I've walked parts of the Freedom Trail on different occasions--probably most comprehensively when I first visited when I was about 13--but I've never walked the entire thing. D says we can get this done some time this fall. Hooray! I should be able to post pictures once I complete this task.
Status: Completed! 9/5/09
What is it: Another body confidence booster. I don't know that I could ever do porn (lest I have any political ambitions in my future), but I am an exhibitionist to a certain degree. I feel like this would be a tasteful way to show off my body and celebrate my new figure once I get down to my goal weight for this challenge. Hopefully, some nice future artist will let me take pictures of their work and I can post them here when I'm done.
Status: Haven't started
What is it: I've always wanted to have a garden--even if it's just a few herbs or vegetables, or even if it's just a window box somewhere. Obviously, this would best be accomplished when I have a backyard of some sort, but like I said--I'll count flowers in a window box too. I don't consider myself a green thumb, but I also don't kill everything I touch, either. I figure I might need to look into the "how-to's" of gardening to begin with (I really like books, if you couldn't tell) and I'll want to start off with something low maintenance.
Status: Haven't started.
What is it: Sarafish on the prowl--I love swimming and when I was younger I used to go with my family to Ocean City, MD every summer, so I have a lot of experience in the Atlantic. As a result I'm comfortable in the Ocean and know how to handle myself when things get rough. The Ocean is a "safe" place for me, and I can count on one hand I've ever felt frightened. I've never been to the Pacific Ocean though--I hear it's colder, and maybe rougher (since there's better surfing there). Completion of this goal requires travel (and money), but it will also help rack up the number of new states I visit.
Status: Haven't started
What is it: The Aurora Borealis, otherwise known as the Northern Lights are another one of those things that, in my opinion, you need to see/do before you die. Depending on where I live, this task might require some travel, but D informs me that 2011 (which falls within my 1001 days) is supposed to be a particularly good year for viewing the lights. I might even be able to see them from New England.
Status: Haven't started
What is it: Like getting high, I feel like this is one of those things you have to do in order to feel like you've really lived (or at least I do). It's strange that I've made it this far without trying it because I've had plenty of opportunity; I grew up with a couple of friends who had pools in their (semi-isolated to isolated) backyards. But it never happened. The one weekend where all of my friends did go skinny-dipping, I think I was out of town. I have gone topless, though. Time for the full monty.
I'm not certain how I will accomplish this though--I don't know anyone with a pool any more and I'm a little too worried about getting into trouble to try it at a public beach. Maybe a private (or nude) one? Maybe a pool at an apartment complex, if I live there.
Status: Haven't started
What is it: For me, this is one of those things I have to experience at least once in order to feel like I've completely experienced life. I think pot is probably the route to go for this--comparatively safe, easy to obtain, and rapidly becoming decriminalized. As an addict of sensation, I want to see how it feels. From there I can decide if it's a feeling I enjoy and it's something I'd like to continue to do (which I suspect won't be with any frequency, anyway. I'm already too paranoid about being "bad").
Status: Completed! 8/15/09
What is it: Stupidly, I originally created this as a weekly goal. Then I realized that not only will there be weeks where I can't get my hands on the New York Times, but there will be weeks where I just don't feel like trying a crossword. I still have to look into whether you can find the crossword online (which would be ideal, because I'd just be wasting the rest of the Times). Anyhow, I think 101 attempts is still an admirable goal, and one that I'll have to put effort into completing
I like crosswords, but I've never tackled the NYT crossword, crossword to end all crosswords, with any consistency. I have fun with them and they help keep me sharp. Maybe I can talk D into doing some of them with me.
Status: (2/101)
That's the state house, right at the start of the trail, coming out of the Commons.
Those are D's feet on the trail. Proof!
My feet on the trail, plus the arm with the freckles that look like the big dipper. Further Proof!
Paul Revere's grave. People had put pennies all over it, though I'm not entirely sure why. I'm sure there's some significance to it. Luck?
